Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Turkey Meatballs Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why do my meatballs fall apart in the slow cooker? ›

One disadvantage to the slow cooker is that meatballs may fall apart if you put them in the pot raw. By partially cooking the meatballs before you put them in the slow cooker, you can ensure your meatballs do not fall apart.

Massage your meat

Get your hands into your mixing bowl and combine the ingredients for your meatballs using your fingers. The heat from your hands will help release the proteins in the meat which will in turn help the mixture stick together when it cooks. Don't overmix, just a few minutes will do.

However, it is possible if the meatballs are left in the slow cooker too long. I do recommend using a programmable slow cooker that will switch to low after the cook time elapses to help avoid overcooking.

Stir the frozen meatballs in the sauce, coating them all evenly. Cover the crockpot and cook the meatballs for 3 hours on high.

Tenderizing the Meat:

As the collagen in the meat dissolves over time, it transforms into gelatin, which not only adds a silky texture to the sauce but also contributes to the overall richness and depth of flavor. The longer the simmer, the more tender and succulent the meatballs become.

Commercially ground turkey also has a finer texture than beef or pork, which is why it cooks up mushy. The fine consistency also means the meat has a harder time holding on to moisture.

Milk: Milk adds moisture, ensuring the meatballs don't dry out during the cooking process. Onion: An onion lends bold flavor. Meat: You'll need a pound of ground beef and a pound of ground pork. Egg: An egg adds moisture and helps bind the meatballs together.

When it comes to adding liquid to meatball mixtures, milk is often used for its versatility, depth of flavor, and richness. Without the use of milk, you may be faced with a plate of dry meatballs. Milk adds a certain level of moisture that helps produce perfectly tender meatballs.

Plain old-fashioned grape jelly and Heinz chili sauce are the secret to tangy, smoky, unstoppable meatballs. All you have to do is throw everything together and turn on the slow cooker. If you're using frozen meatballs, add them to the crockpot right out of the freezer.

Place the meatballs into the sauce mixture. Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours. Enjoy!

Can I leave meatballs in the crockpot overnight? ›

Can I leave Meatballs in a Crockpot overnight? It is perfectly safe to cook your meatballs through the night in your crockpot.

Use a Slow Cooker or Instant Pot

Simply select the “Keep Warm” setting, and away you go! You can also transfer an oven-baked or stovetop dish to the slow cooker to keep them warm, too.

Because meat shrinks when cooked, mince proteins are likely to separate and crumble unless bound together. Whether it's breadcrumbs or egg (or both), or simply salt, binding the mince is a crucial step in maintaining the softness of your meatballs while preventing them from falling apart.

My preferred way is in BRAISING the meat in a slow cooker instead of putting in the meat entirely dry. I add a small amount of liquid (about a cup to a can full), with vegetables as well, which would add a LOT of moisture to the meat.

Simply add the meat to your slow cooker with aromatics, stock and sauces and cook either on High for 4-5 hours or on Low for 5-8 hours. How do you make meat tender in a slow cooker? Choosing a cut of beef best suited for low and slow cooking is the ideal way to get extra tender meat.

Cover and let cook for 6 hours on high heat or 8 hours on low heat. If the meat is not falling apart by then, cook for additional 30-minute intervals until it does.